scammer

A scammer is a person who uses deception or manipulation to obtain money, property, or sensitive information from others. Scammers may operate alone or as part of organized networks, and commonly rely on social engineering, impersonation, or misleading solicitations to disguise their motives and gain trust.

Common methods include phishing via email, text messages, or social media; cold calling; fake online stores; investment or cryptocurrency schemes; advance-fee fraud; romance scams; prize or charity scams; and tech-support or counterfeit goods schemes. Scammers exploit urgency, fear, or greed to prompt quick action.

The impact of scams can include financial loss, identity theft, damaged credit, and emotional distress. Victims may suffer follow-on fraud, data breaches, or reduced trust in digital services. Scams often disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, and repeated incidents can erode confidence in legitimate transactions.

Prevention and detection rely on caution and verification. Verify identities through independent channels, scrutinize unsolicited requests, and be wary of pressure to act quickly or pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication; report suspicious activity to authorities such as consumer protection agencies and law enforcement.

Legally, fraud and related schemes are crimes in most jurisdictions. Penalties vary by jurisdiction, amount, and evidence, and may include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies work with financial institutions to trace proceeds, shut down operations, and pursue prosecution of individual scammers and organized networks.